Jamaica and Russia Sign Visa Waiver Agreement

FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER KAMINA JOHNSON SMITH SIGNED THE AGREEMENT WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SERGEI LAVROV IN THE MARGINS OF THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK.

Jamaica and Russia have signed a reciprocal agreement to waive the visa requirement for travel to their respective countries.

The agreement will allow mutual visits of citizens of Jamaica and Russia for up to 90 days per year for tourism, cultural exchange or business purposes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith signed the agreement with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov in the margins of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“Both minister Lavrov and I agreed that the Visa Abolition Agreement will not only facilitate increased people to people exchanges, but will support the growth of tourism. We were both pleased to note in this regard, that new flights commenced this year between Moscow and Montego Bay,” she said.

Johnson Smith said the signing of the reciprocal Visa Exemption Agreement brings parity in terms of ease of travel for nationals from both countries, noting that a 2014 arrangement had allowed entry into Jamaica by Russians, which arrangement had also been clarified by the new agreement.

She said the agreement would undoubtedly facilitate increased trade and economic activities between the countries, and allow nationals the opportunity to travel more easily to either country for pleasure.